The novel starts with battle between
Republic and Separatist forces over Kothlis and the invaluable spynet facility
located there. The plan is for Anakin
and his pilots to distract the
Separatists long enough to get Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Rex
and the rest of the Clone Troopers
planet-side. Once on the ground, the troops can take the Separatists
out and secure control of the spynet facility. But thanks to some new
Separatist weapons and possible sabotage, things donít go according to plan.
The simple operation becomes anything but simple and the damage to the Republic
is quite great.

Meanwhile,
Bail Organa
has uncovered
some strange doings in the Separatist camp. Apparently, the Separatists have
used some heavy resources to capture the mining planet of Lanteeb
and subjugate
its people. Bail Organa brings his findings to Obi-Wan, who in turn brings
Anakin in on the issue. No amount of research can reveal any reason as to the
importance of the planet until Ahsoka discovers a log for purchases made on the
planet for a genetically coded cure for Damotite poisoning. Could it be that
the Separatists are creating a bio-weapon
from Lanteebís sole natural resource?
Obi-Wan and Anakin go undercover in enemy lines to find out, but will their
stealth mission bring them under more enemy fire than they could ever have
anticipated?

When one reads that a book is based
on characters in a cartoon series, one tends to think that the novel will cater
to the younger generation. In fact, Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth
is geared toward the adult fans, taking on adult themes with an intensity that
no child would understand. This particular novel discusses the creation and use
of a horrific bio-weapon, something on a much more horrific scale than mustard
gas and/or cyanide poisoning. But it does more than that. It also focuses on
morality issues - those suffered by the scientist who created the bio-weapon,
Anakin and Obi-Wan and their decision regarding the scientistís fate and those
of Bail Organa and his dealings with Chancellor Palpatine.

The book also shows us a different
side of Anakinís Padawan, Ahsoka. Seen as a pupil of Anakinís throughout the
cartoon series, we now realize that she is a Padawan learner with a very heavy
weight on her shoulders. She feels responsible for her Masterís well-beingÖand
most certainly does not want to be the individual responsible for bringing about
her Masterís death. Ahsoka is also seen as having a profound affect on Anakin -
yet one more individual he canít bear to lose. We donít know for sure yet what
happens to Ahsoka by the time we reach the events of Revenge of the Sith, but we
know for certain that she is no longer in Anakinís life. Could it be that
whatever might have happened to Ahsoka pushed him one step closer to the
all-encompassing Dark Side?

Stealth also gives us insight
into the love life of Obi-Wan Kenobi. For someone who preaches so heartily
against attachment, Obi-Wan appears to have taken part in his share of
relationships, becoming involved with the Jedi Siri Tachi, the Mandalore Dutchess Satine
and now we learn of a possible tryst between Kenobi and Jedi
Taria Damsin. Could it be that Obi-Wan is that much of a hypocrite? All I know
was I became confused with Damsinís appearance at first, mistaking her for Siri
Tachi until I looked up her background. Now I realize that the two are
completely different Jedi that Obi-Wan hooked up with long before admonishing
his Padawan against such behavior. Perhaps he learned the errors of his ways
the hard way.

Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit:
Stealth is bound to satisfy Star Wars fans of all types - thereís action for
those who crave it in the form of hand-to-hand combat, dogfights Force usage,
chase scenes and more; thereís intrigue as we learn the secrets hiding behind
Lanteeb and Yoda
and Bail Organa start to realize that Palpatine is not exactly
trustworthy; thereís some romance and anguish because of said romance. I loved
the more adult look at my favorite cartoon characters and their movie
counterparts. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I canít wait to check out the
sequel, Star Wars: Clone Wars: Siege.